Gavin Newsom asserting control over MAGA supporters. What are the potential limits of his dominance?
California Governor Gavin Newsom Raises National Profile with Combative Stance Against Trump
Gavin Newsom, the Governor of California, is quickly making a name for himself on the national stage. His combative approach towards former President Donald Trump has garnered him support among younger voters, Democrats, and those who share his stance.
Recent polls indicate that Newsom's approval rating in California has improved significantly. According to a late August 2025 poll, 51% of Californians approve of Newsom's performance, compared to 43% who disapprove. This marks a significant shift from an earlier split approval rating in April.
Younger voters, specifically those aged 18-29, show particularly strong support for Newsom's opposition to Trump, with 71% backing his approach.
Democrats also strongly support Newsom and his policies, including his proposal to redraw California’s congressional map. Republicans, on the other hand, tend to oppose these efforts.
In an early August 2025 Emerson College poll, Newsom's job approval rating among California voters stood at 44%, with 38% disapproval. This poll also highlighted a 22-point Democratic advantage in the generic congressional ballot in California.
Newsom is increasingly being seen as a national political figure and a leader of resistance against Trump, elevating his profile both statewide and nationally. Among hypothetical 2028 presidential Democratic candidates in California, Newsom ranks highly, second only to Vice President Kamala Harris and ahead of Pete Buttigieg.
However, Newsom's popularity is not universal. Among independents, he was about as unpopular as President Biden, with a -15 rating. A Gallup poll conducted in mid-July showed Americans viewed Newsom unfavorably by 11 points, 41%-30%.
One of Newsom's most high-profile actions has been his court case against President Donald Trump over the deployment of the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles. Another question mark hangs over his redistricting gambit in Texas, which requires the approval of California voters.
The numbers could shift if and when Newsom truly breaks through on the national stage. For now, his rising approval ratings and elevated national profile reflect his growing stature within key groups.
[1] Source: California Governor Gavin Newsom's Approval Rating Improves in Late August Poll [2] Source: Emerson College Poll Shows Newsom's Job Approval Rating in California [3] Source: California Democrats View Newsom Favourably as 2028 Presidential Candidate [4] Source: Gavin Newsom's National Profile Elevated by Resistance Against Trump
Read also:
- Weekly happenings in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Southwest region's most popular posts, accompanied by an inquiry:
- Discussion between Putin and Trump in Alaska could potentially overshadow Ukraine's concerns
- Independence supporters in New Caledonia refuse agreement offering authority without a vote on sovereignty
